Due to a retirement, security officers at the Jasper County Courthouse are now going to be part-time employees starting next year. The change was approved by the Jasper County Board of Supervisor at the recommendation of Jasper County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Brad Shutts. He says the move will save the county money while not jeopardizing safety.

“We can take our current position and divide it up among three part-time people, saving us money on benefits. We can utilize the funds somewhere else while still filling those 40 hours per week at the Courthouse and downtown campuses in Newton.”

Current Courthouse Deputy Marc Headington is retiring at the end of this year. Lt. Shutts says the qualifications for the three part-time positions will include at least ten years of experience in law enforcement, and being a certified police officer or able to get recertified within six months.